A major operation was launched on Monday (December 15) near the Peradeniya railway bridge ( Yaka Bridge) to remove a large obstruction in the Mahaweli River that had posed a challenge to engineers for more than ten days.
According to Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Ratnayake, the problem created after a deep hole in the riverbed became surrounded by mud, soil, and tree branches, forming an island-like barrier.
The minister said that earlier attempts by Navy divers to remove part of the obstruction, which was about ten feet deep, were unsuccessful due to its density.
On December 13, officials from the Land Development Corporation inspected the site and assumed responsibility for removing the obstruction. With the assistance of the military, heavy machinery was transported from Colombo to Peradeniya.
The heavy equipment was then lowered into the Mahaweli River, and Minister Ratnayake said the operation began on December 15.
He added that authorities expect the obstruction to be removed today, after which engineers will decide on further measures concerning the hole and the overall safety of the bridge.
The minister noted that this rapid and expert technical intervention marks a crucial step in resolving the long-standing issues related to the Yaka Bridge.
